Nurses offer strong leadership during times of change: A message from the Nursing Week Work Group Co-Chairs

“Nursing: A leading force for change.” This Nursing Week theme – chosen by your Nursing Week Work Group – reflects the strength of our nurses during these times of change in health care. Nurses are constantly surrounded by external forces of change, such as changes to the structure of and re-organization of patient care, but are also strong advocates for change needed in practice, policies, patient care and safety.

In the spirit of change, we would like to extend a big “thank you” to Nancy Jacobs for all the wonderful work she has done as co-chair for the Nursing Week Work Group. Nancy is stepping down from this role but continues to organize the luncheon. We welcome Susie Blair as the new co-chair.

This Nursing Week keeps many of the same activities as in previous years, since you’ve told us you appreciate them: Nursing Skills Fair, Central Booths, children’s poster-drawing contest, coffee coupons, evening snacks and the luncheon. The volleyball tournament will be returning next year. But this year, we’re also including some new and renewed activities – such as the history contest and the bowling tournament, along with an increased presence in social media.

Every year, we support a community group, to show that our care and compassion reaches beyond TOH’s walls. This year, we’ve chosen Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton, which provides shelter for women and children who are being abused, and works with other community stakeholders in advocating to end violence against women. Help us support this great group by bringing donations to the Nursing Skills Fairs and Nursing Professional Practice Offices at the Civic and General campuses. See page 4 for a list of items needed.

The Nightingale Gala, organized by the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF), takes place on May 8 at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Join the celebrations of nursing achievements and help raise funds to continue to support nurses in education and research. Again this year, generous donors have purchased tickets for our nurses.

We hope you enjoy the Nursing Week activities. Take time to appreciate your incredible contributions to TOH. Share your events and achievements with us using social media, on the “TOH Nurses” Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

Thank you for all that you do! Best wishes to each of you from the Co-Chairs and all the Work Group members.

Dr. Ginette Rodger, RN
Executive Vice-President, Nursing and Professional Practice

Susie Blair, RN
ONA Local 83 Bargaining Unit Vice-President, Heart Institute